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Statue of Sojourner Truth unveiled after community debate

September 03, 2024 | Northampton City, Hampshire County, Massachusetts


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Statue of Sojourner Truth unveiled after community debate
In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the installation of a new statue honoring Sojourner Truth, highlighting both the challenges and successes encountered during the project. Initially, the selection process for sculptors revealed a lack of female submissions, prompting a second call for entries. This effort resulted in contributions from female artists, including one notable entry featuring a horse.

The committee emphasized the importance of accurately representing Sojourner Truth's features in the statue, leading to the selection of sculptor Jay Warren from Ohio. Local residents, including the late John Bracey, played a crucial role in ensuring the statue reflected the intended cultural representation.

Concerns were raised by Northampton residents regarding the statue's placement, particularly the potential loss of existing fountains. The committee faced logistical hurdles, including a damaged pedestal ordered from South Africa, which necessitated sourcing a replacement from a local quarry.

As the project progressed, safety issues regarding the installation of the statue and surrounding walkway were addressed to prevent accidents. The dedication ceremony, initially expected to attract around 50 attendees, drew a crowd of approximately 250 to 400 people, showcasing significant community interest in the tribute to Sojourner Truth.

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